Guide to renting with pets
IN Queensland, under the current legislation, renters must seek written approval from their landlords to keep a pet in their property.
A tenant can only keep a pet on a property if the tenancy agreement states pets are allowed.
The tenancy agreement may also state the number and type of pets that may be kept and whether the pet can come inside or is outside only.
The state’s Residential Tenancies Authority estimates that only 10 per cent of landlords allow tenants to live with pets.
As such, the state government is expected to introduce reforms to its tenancy act that would allow all renters to keep a pet.
>> READ MORE: HOW TO MOVE FROM RENTING TO BUYING
The Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 has been introduced in the Queensland Parliament to progress Stage 1 of Queensland’s rental law reform.
During the Open Doors consultation, over 15,000 responses were received providing community feedback on detailed Stage 1 reform options across five priority renting issues one of which was renting with pets.
The first stage reforms aim to strike the right balance between renters and rental property owner interests for all parties to have frameworks to support negotiations about renting with pets and encourage more pet-friendly rental accommodation in Queensland.
Tenants should consider if the property is suitable for pets (e.g. enough room, fencing, pet doors) and if their pet could cause any damage to the property (e.g. torn screens or lawn damage).
Until then, here’s a guide to renting with pets…
1. Ask to have a pet
Broach the topic of pets with your landlord even if the property is advertised as not pet-friendly. But if you ask the question, remember to respect the answer. And remember that it’s not always the landlord’s decision. Strata and communal laws may prohibit or restrict animals in a property, even if the landlord gives their blessings.
When you put your application in, be honest about your pet situation. You’ve got nothing to lose and your application may well be the best one, pets included.
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2. Get pet references
If you have previously rented a home with your current pets, it’s a good idea to ask your previous landlord for a pet reference. If they can sign a statement saying that your pets were excellent tenants and didn’t damage their property, you’ll likely have a better chance of securing the property you’re applying for.
Include in the pet reference the pet’s age, temperament and vaccinations history and attach a recent photograph. You may also want to include character references from a previous property manager, vet or anyone who can credibly speak to your pet’s behaviour.
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3. Offer extra cleaning
Offer to remove all traces of your pet’s presence when you leave.
While you are already obligated to clean a property when you depart, providing further commitments to deep clean carpets, treat for fleas and deodorise might be enough to get your pet over the threshold.
